Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police are ready to offer as safe, fun event for families this Halloween with the return of “Trunk or Treat.” This year’s free event will take place on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m., at 2385 Wesley Chapel Road. Kids are invited to dress up in their costumes and trick or treat with DeKalb County Police officers.  There also will be music and plenty of fun for everyone, so we encourage all the boys and girls to attend.

The Gwinnett County Police Department is notifying the public that I-85 South, from 316 to south of Jimmy Carter Boulevard, will be closed to traffic on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 7:30 a.m. until approximately 8:15 a.m. due to an accident investigation.    The Police Department’s Accident Investigation Unit will be mapping a double fatality scene that occurred on Oct. 5, using several drones in the area.  Ramps onto I-85 South, from 316, Pleasant Hill, Steve Reynolds, Beaver Ruin, Indian Trail, and Jimmy Carter Boulevard, will be impacted. Traffic will not be able to enter I-85 during the investigation.  Further, traffic will be slowed…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick joined regional law enforcement leaders at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime Is Toast breakfast to honor fallen DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire officers and residents across the region. Officer Rose was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor, two of the highest recognitions for valor and heroism in the line of duty. His widow, Mrs. Rose, accepted the awards on his behalf during the ceremony, which was attended by representatives from law enforcement agencies throughout metro Atlanta. The Crime Is Toast breakfast, hosted annually by the Atlanta…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA— An Atlanta man will serve a life sentence after being convicted for molesting and sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl. Mario Edwin Adon-Barrios, 37, was found guilty of aggravated child molestation, child molestation, and sexual battery for attacking the child in June 2023. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years and must register for life as a sex offender and stay away from the victim and her family. He also will be deported at the end of his prison sentence. “The defendant’s depraved behavior is disturbing and deserving of the sentence he received,” District Attorney…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) scores increased over the previous year while the state saw a smaller increase and the nation held the same on the American College Test (ACT), according to results recently released by the Georgia Department of Education for Class of 2025 graduates. RCPS had an overall ACT composite score of 18.2, an increase from last year’s score of 17.6. The state average increased slightly from 21.2 to 21.4 and the nation held steady at 19.4. The ACT is a national college admissions exam, which measures achievement in English, mathematics, reading and science with…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has successfully installed its weather siren system, marking a significant step forward in public safety and emergency preparedness. After being on hold for three years, the project is finally complete, and the system is now fully operational. There are nine fully operational sirens throughout the County: Costley Mill Park South Rockdale Park Lorraine Park Legion Fields Johnson Park Wheeler Park Lakeview Estate Park Black Shoals Park Earl O’Neil Park This automated system is directly linked to the National Weather Service, allowing for real-time activation during tornado warnings. The system delivers…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Board of Education voted on Wednesday(Oct. 15) to accept the resignation of Devon Q. Horton as superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, effective Nov. 15. Horton’s resignation comes one week after he was indicted on federal corruption charges concerning the Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Illinois, where he formerly served as superintendent. The indictment includes 17 counts including fraud, theft and tax evasion in a kickback scheme.   School Board member Tiffany Hogan was the only member who voted against accepting Horton’s resignation at the special called meeting on Wednesday. The DeKalb School Board…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports the death of the 8th inmate to die in custody at the DeKalb County Jail this year. Officials said the death appears to be a medical emergency and there is no evidence of foul play. An internal investigation is underway, and an autopsy will be performed by the DeKalb Medical Examiner’s Office. According to authorities, 59-year-old Rodney Garrick of Lithonia, Georgia, was found unresponsive in the facility early this morning (Oct. 15). Officials said that on-site medical personnel immediately administered aid until emergency medical services arrived. Garrick was transported to a nearby…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Early voting for the upcoming Nov. 4 elections began on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and is off to a very sluggish start.  As of Wednesday, Oct.. 15, only 86 voters had cast ballots in the City of Conyers races for a new mayor and three City Council seats. Early voting ends Oct. 31. Conyers voters will elect a new mayor to succeed Mayor Vince Evans, who is not running for re-election. Connie Alsobrook and Bradley “Brad” Smith are vying for the seat. Voters also will elect someone to fill the City Council District 2, Post 2 seat vacated by …